Industrial Commission Okays Organic Promotion Funds
News Date August 10, 2007
The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a $30,000 grant for development of a website, and educational and promotional materials and activities for North Dakota's organic food industry.
"The organic farming and processing industries in North Dakota are an emerging economic engine for our state," North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson told the commission. "This modest request will help lay the groundwork for a coordinated effort to move the industry forward."
The N.D. Industrial Commission, which is made up of Gov. John Hoeven, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Johnson, was authorized by the 2007 Legislature to appropriate up to $30,000 from the biomass incentive and research fund to support organic agriculture initiatives and programs.
Johnson said the highest priority for the proposal is development of a website to disseminate information and educate producers, processors, and consumers.
"The website will have producer and processor directories as a ready reference for potential customers and suppliers," Johnson said. "It will also have an interactive component for producers to list the organic products they have for sale and for processors to advertise for the organic products they want to process."
Johnson said the grant will also be used for an educational laboratory experience program.
"Six county extension agents are now being trained in organic farming production practices," he said. "This program will help these agents identify and assist prospective organic producers through classroom training and field tours to learn the opportunities and challenges of organic farming."
Another program would be a highly visible presence at agriculture trade shows within the state. This would be an opportunity to spotlight the organic industry for potential organic farmers and consumers.
Johnson said the grant will be administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture in consultation with North Dakota Organic Advisory Board.